Healthy Benefits Of Cocoyam

TRACKING >Cocoyam is a root crop which has many benefits for a healthy living. Although the crop has not been in focus, it boasts of many compounds which prevent, fight and cure diverse diseases.

Both the roots and leaves are edible and has lots of benefit to the consumer. It possesses high nutritional values when compared with others like cassava and yam, with substantial vitamin, mineral and proteinous contents. It is one of the finest source dietary fibres and starch that can generate energy to the body.

It has higher protein contents than the majority of the tropical root crops. It also contains thiamine, calcium, niacin, manganese, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, copper and riboflavin. Consuming nutrients-packed food like cocoyam is vital for maintaining a healthy immune system, which helps our body to make use of protein, carbohydrates and other nutrients in the food we eat. Dietary fiber maintains a healthier digestive process and helps in the easy passage of stool.

Cocoyam can be consumed in different ways through roasting, cooking, frying, baking, pounding and milling etc. It can also be processed into various food products used for industrial and culinary purposes. Africans usually blend cocoyam and use it as a thickener for baking and cooking soups such as oha soup and bitter leaf soup etc. It can also be cooked as porridge and the leaves can be used for cooking soups.

Below are some of the health benefits of cocoyam.

1. CANCER PREVENTION.

Considerable levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and various phenolic antioxidants found in cocoyam helps eliminate dangerous free radicals from our system.

Cryptoxanthin, found in cocoyam is directly related to a lower chance of developing both lung and oral cancer. Studies are ongoing to ascertain the effectiveness in preventing prostate and breast cancer.

Cocoyam leaves are rich in vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant. This fights against free radicals that cause cancer and help to prevent many diseases

2. MANAGE DIABETES

Cocoyam can help you manage your glycemic levels and lower your chances of developing diabetes due to the presence of dietary fibres

If you have diabetes, cocoyam can help prevent the hazardous spikes and plunges in blood sugar, as cocoyam starch granules are smaller, easily digested and slowly releases into the bloodstream without upsetting the blood sugar levels.

3. CONTROL’S BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART HEALTH.

Cocoyam consists of considerable amount of potassium which is considered other essential minerals that are essential to remain healthy and efficient. Potassium not only enables healthy fluid transfers between membranes and tissues throughout the body, but also helps to relieve stress and pressure on blood vessels and arteries. By relaxing the veins and blood vessels, blood pressure can be reduced and stress on the overall cardiovascular system is reduced. Potassium is related to increased cognitive function because neural connections can be boosted when blood pressure is reduced and fluid transfer between neural membranes is optimized! The omega 3, an essential fatty acid, help produce hormones to control the contraction and relaxation of arteries wall. If this mechanism is going well, the blood pressure can be kept at a normal level.

4. BOOST IMMUNE SYSTEM.

Cocoyam plays an important role in the immune system. Vitamin C is found in taro roots which help to encourage immune system to create more white blood cells which help to defend the body from foreign pathogens and agents. Additionally vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, which moderately prevents the development of conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

5. REDUCE INFLAMMATION AND SYMPTOMS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRIRIS.

Cocoyam helps to reduce inflammation, the cocoyam leaves contain Omega 3 which plays a role in inflammation process and can inhibit the release of inflammatory substances. It can help to treat diseases like arthritis, gastritis, or lupus disease. Cocoyam is extremely beneficial for overcoming rheumatoid arthritis because low levels of vitamin B6 are related with increased signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), like more severe pain. Several researchers conclude that people with RA require comparatively more vitamin B6 than healthy people because they experience constant muscle aches and joint pain due to chronic inflammation. Vitamin B6 benefits include curbing pain and can be useful in supplement form for controlling aches in the muscles and joints due to arthritis.

6. HELPS WITH CRAMPS.

Consuming high potassium foods is directly related with decreased muscle cramping and improved muscle strength. Cocoyam consists of considerable amount of potassium. Muscle cramps are one of the common side effects of low potassium levels. This happens when athlete becomes dehydrated and isn’t consuming enough potassium rich foods before and after exercise.

6. PREVENT BONE LOSS AND PROTECT THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.

Copper present in taro roots plays an important role in slow down bone loss and osteoporosis in older women when taken in combination with other important minerals like zinc, calcium and manganese. Copper has bone-strengthening properties and its collagen-forming qualities encourage strong bones and connective tissues. Cocoyam leaves also contain calcium which is good for the formation and maintenance of healthy bone. It works with phosphorous to strengthen the bone and teeth.

Are you feeling the symptoms of tingling, numbness, or pain in your limb? You can eat taro leaves to reduce those symptoms. The vitamin B complex including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6 in cocoyam leaves protect the nervous system.

7. ENHANCES LEARNING AND FETAL BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT.

Cocoyam consists of Vitamin B1 which is also known as thiamine is a crucial vitamin for increasing focus, energy, fighting chronic stress, and perhaps preventing memory loss. Several researches have linked thiamine deficiency to problems learning and retaining information. Besides its rich nutrients content, the leaves also contain folate which is essential for the development of your fetal brain and nervous system. It is, therefore, good to consume cocoyam leaves when you are pregnant. Additionally the manganese in cocoyam leaves helps in the fetal cartilage, bone, and teeth formation during pregnancy. However, be sure to cook them well before you eat.

8. BOOST HEALTHY EYES VISIONS

As we have previously mentioned, Cocoyam is loaded with several antioxidants, like beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin. These antioxidants can also help to improve vision as well, by preventing the free radicals from attacking ocular cells and causing macular degeneration or cataracts.

The cocoyam leaves are rich in vitamin A in addition to the vitamin C, which is very good for eyes to stay healthy, maintain the visual acuity, and prevent the eyes diseases such as myopia, cataract and blindness.

9. AIDS DISGESTION AND PREVENT DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS.

Cocoyam plays an important role in digestion because it consists of high level of dietary fiber. The high dietary fibre in cocoyam leaves helps in food digestion and absorption. Fiber is very important for supporting our gastrointestinal health. Fiber helps to add bulk to our bowel movements, thus helping food move through the digestive tract and facilitating improved digestion. Apart from that it can help to prevent certain conditions like excess gas, cramping, bloating, constipation and even diarrhea.The zinc in cocoyam leaves, protects intestinal mucosa. When you get diarrhoea, the intestine wall loses its mucosa. Zinc help to release the mucosa quickly to immediately stop the diarrhoea. A healthy, regulated gastrointestinal system can significantly boost your overall health and reduce your chances of various types of cancer.

10. PREVENTION OF PREECLAMPSIA IN PREGNANCY.

The consumption cocoyam leaves helps to prevent preeclampsia (a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys) during pregnancy. The magnesium mineral helps in muscle relaxation and can be used to prevent preeclampsia

11. INCREASE SPERM PRODUCTION.

Cocoyam leaves contains arginine, an amino acid which helps to increase sperm production. This makes it good for men.

12. THICKENS HAIR.

Cocoyam consists of significant amount of vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to decrease environmental damage to your hair. It also promotes circulation to the scalp. Vitamin E oil can retain the natural moisture in your skin, which help your scalp from becoming dry and flakey. This oil will also make your hair look healthier and fresher. You can use a few drops of vitamin E oil on your hair, especially if it is looking dry and dull

13. HELPS MAINTAIN DENTAL HEALTH.

Cocoyam consists of phosphorus which is essential for both bone health as well as maintaining teeth and gum health. Calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus all play an important role in the formation and maintenance of dental health by supporting tooth enamel, jaw-bone mineral density and holding the teeth in place too. Therefore, these minerals and vitamins can also help heal tooth decay.

14. HELPS CONTROL THE DEVELOPMENT OF DIABETES.

Apart from proper bowel movement dietary fiber can also help lower the chances of developing diabetes because it helps to regulate the release of insulin and glucose in the body. If you consume sufficient amount of Cocoyam in your regular diet then you can manage your glycemic levels and lower your chances of developing diabetes. If you have diabetes, then fiber-rich foods like taro root can help prevent the spikes and plunges in blood sugar that can be so hazardous.

15. HELPS WITH CIRCULATION STIMULATION.

Cocoyam consists of several mineral contents. But the presence of iron and copper in Cocoyam make it an important food to prevent anemia and boost circulation throughout the body. Both Iron and copper are essential for the production of red blood cells that carry the all-important oxygen to our body’s systems and cells. By decreasing the chances of anemia (iron deficiency) and boost the flow of blood through the body, you can speed overall metabolism, growth of new cells, and general oxygenation of the body that is always a good idea to keep organs and systems functioning at their optimal levels!

16. REDUCE WRINKLE ON THE SKIN AND INCREASE TOTAL SKIN HEALTH.

Cocoyam is extremely beneficial to those who wish to keep their skin hydrated as well as protected since it consists of sufficient amount of vitamin A and vitamin E. Each of these vitamin helps to eliminate skin problems and boost overall cellular health. Regular consumption of Cocoyam helps to heal wounds and blemishes faster, wrinkles will be diminished and you can get a healthy and glowing skin. Cocoyam leaves contain the amino acid called threonine. The threonine helps in the formation of elastin and collagen which are good for the healthy skin. They prevent the skin from wrinkle and rejuvenate skin.

17. CHOLESTEROL LEVEL REDUCTION.

Cocoyam leaves have no cholesterol and only 1% of total fat, and so, is best diet for reducing cholesterol. The dietary fiber and methionine contained in cocoyam leaves can reduce the cholesterol effectively. They bind and break down fat and cholesterol especially triglyceride

18. HELP IN WEIGHT LOSS.

Cocoyam leaves are low in fat and high in protein. It is therefore, the best diet to reduce your fat and get your muscle mass.

19. HELPS TO TREAT NICOTINE ADDICTION.

Cocoyam leaves contain tyrosine, a crucial amino acid in the human body. It becomes an adaptogen substance which helps to minimize the effect of nicotine, cocaine, and coffee addiction

20. A DETOXIFICATION AGENT.

Histidine, one of the essential amino acids is also contained in cocoyam leaves. It serves as a detoxification agent that helps to remove the heavy metals from the body and protect the body from damage from radiation.

Consuming nutrients-packed food like cocoyam is vital for maintaining a healthy immune system, which helps our body to make use of protein, carbohydrates and other nutrients in the food we eat.

Dietary fiber maintains a healthier digestive process and helps in the easy passage of stool.

NOTE: you shouldn’t consume cocoyam leaves in a raw condition because it has a dangerous toxin. Please soak them first in the clean water for about 10 to 15 minutes. After that, cook them well to remove its toxic substance. It is usually itchy in the throat if not well cooked.